MONICA DICKENS – The Winds of Heaven (Persephone)

Louise, widow of a horrible bully in a perilous financial state of his own overweening making, is thrown upon the mercies of their three very different daughters. He only allies are one grand-daughter, a lovely cat and dog, a caravan (yes, it's a character in its own right!) and a potboiler-writing, portly, bed salesman. Reminiscent of Whipple's "They Were Sisters", the family relationships and characters are beautifully drawn and the plot pulls you along in the firm hopes that something good will come to dear Louise …

Although some of the characters are sweet, the situation they are in, and the lesson for women about (not) relying solely on men and marriage for emotional sustenance is sharp, even if the ending is conventional in some ways. An excellent read.